Tag Archives: dear boss letter

CSAF General Welsh Ends Air Force Blues Mondays

Prepare to hang up those polyester pants, ladies and gentlemen.

As reported in the Air Force Times, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark Welsh “decided not to renew” the Air Force-wide “blues Mondays” instituted by his predecessor, Gen Schwartz (a widely-panned decision noted even in the infamous Dear Boss letter).  This means the authority for the uniform policy reverts to the MAJCOM, rather than HQ Air Force, level:

Accordingly, both Air Force Space Command and Air Force Special Operations Command have ended Blues Mondays. Other major commands, Read more

The Dear Boss Letter, 2009 Version

Many people are familiar with the “Dear Boss” letter from a fighter pilot in the Air Force to his “leaders,” decrying the loss of focus (or downfall) of the traditional Air Force.  It was a response to a survey on fighter pilot retention in the late 1970s.  The letter has circulated so long because it resounded with so many people.  (It was also published in the October 1978 Armed Forces Journal.)

Apparently the letter was “updated” in 2009.  Though some of the terminology changed, the concepts behind it remain essentially the same.  The letter is at times cynical and negative, at others pensive and truthful.  It is certainly a perspective on life in the Air Force (as a fighter pilot).  One worth joining?  That’s another debate.

This letter was actually revived by the Air Force itself.  It was sent out in an email from the USAFE Commander in a plea for feedback as to why fighter pilots aren’t staying in the Air Force (even in a down economy, including turning down the bonus).

The full text of “the letter” is below.  Read more